Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 2022 American Food Heroes

      2022 American Food Heroes

      With our sixth annual list, we celebrate the pursuits of those trying to make the world a better place through the great unifier—food. Read More
    • The #1 Breakfast for Diabetes, According to a Dietitian

      The #1 Breakfast for Diabetes, According to a Dietitian

      Prepping a balanced breakfast that contains fiber-rich carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats can help combat high morning blood sugar. And, this breakfast is yummy, too. Read More
    • Our 20 Most Popular Sandwiches to Make This Summer

      Our 20 Most Popular Sandwiches to Make This Summer

      These filling and tasty sandwich recipes can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Whether you're packing it to-go or eating at home, these sandwiches are full of summer flavors, from cucumbers and avocados to tomatoes and basil. Once you try sandwiches like our Cucumber Sandwich and Chickpea Salad Sandwich, you'll quickly understand why our readers have clicked on these recipes all season long. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Lifestyle Diets
  4. Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
  5. Healthy Vegetarian Lunch Recipes
  6. 20 Easy Lunches Perfect for a Flexitarian Diet

20 Easy Lunches Perfect for a Flexitarian Diet

Danielle DeAngelis
Danielle DeAngelis Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD July 17, 2022
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Tahini Sauce

Starting a flexitarian diet doesn't mean you have to skip on your favorite flavors, and these meatless lunches are proof. Plus, each recipe takes 30 minutes or less to prepare, making them perfect for any day of the week. Dishes like our Green Goddess Sandwich and Spinach & Artichoke Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette are healthy and delicious ways to meet your nutrition goals.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Goddess Sandwich

green goddess sandwich
Credit: Victor Protasio
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This green goddess sandwich is a fresh and satisfying sandwich. The dressing packs a flavorful punch with capers and lemon juice. The cucumber and sprouts add nice crunch, and the seasoned avocado brings in the creaminess.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach & Artichoke Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette

7436020.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Inspired by the classic warm party dip, this simple salad can be served up right away or divided into small lidded containers for a week of delicious lunches. To keep the hard-boiled eggs tasting fresh, we suggest adding them to your salad just before serving or in the morning before packing your lunch to go.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa & Beans

stuffed potatoes with salsa
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Taco night meets baked potato night with this simple recipe for loaded baked potatoes with salsa, beans and avocado. This easy, healthy family dinner comes together with just 10 minutes of active time, so you can make it on even the busiest of weeknights. This recipe is just as delicious with sweet potatoes in place of russets.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato, Cucumber & White-Bean Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

5492940.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This no-cook bean salad is a delicious way to use summer's best cherry or grape tomatoes and juicy cucumbers for a light dinner or lunch. Fresh basil elevates an easy vinaigrette recipe that dresses up this simple salad into something extraordinary.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas

4538536.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cucumber Sandwich

Cucumber Sandwich
Credit: Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Ruth Blackburn
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy, crunchy cucumber sandwich recipe strikes a lovely balance between decadent and light. The cream cheese-yogurt spread complements the crisp refreshing cucumber while the hearty flavor and texture of the whole-wheat bread holds everything together. Removing the crusts makes it more delicate than your average sandwich.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Ramen Cup of Noodles

4179209.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make your own cup of instant soup at home with this vegetarian ramen recipe. Pack several jars at once to take to work for easy lunches throughout the week.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rainbow Veggie Wraps

6538898.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There's definitely a sushi vibe to these kid-friendly wraps, which are stuffed with vegetables, cheese and hummus and then rolled and sliced. Serve them with store-bought green goddess, a creamy herb-filled dressing, to take it up a notch with ease. They look impressive but they're easy enough for kids to assemble themselves for an easy lunch or dinner.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing

4550449.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty vegan salad is loaded with plant-based power ingredients: chickpeas, quinoa and hummus. We love the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the unexpected flavor of roasted peppers.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast

Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast
Credit: Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Herbed ricotta toast gets topped with cannellini beans and roasted red peppers for a colorful, tasty open-face sandwich.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Meal-Prep Vegan Lettuce Wraps

6725219.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For these meal-prep-friendly lettuce wraps, we swap the traditional warm filling for a cold plant-based bean salad filling loaded with fresh herbs and lemon. Topping each lettuce leaf with a little quinoa before adding the filling helps to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Couscous & Chickpea Salad

5241946.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooked couscous and canned chickpeas come together in this quick lunch salad. The basil vinaigrette makes it taste anything but basic! When in season, we recommend adding fresh chopped tomatoes for a spin on tabbouleh.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Tahini Sauce

4565466.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Smoked Tofu & Coleslaw Wraps

Crispy Smoked Tofu & Coleslaw Wraps
Credit: Johnny & Charlotte Autry
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tossing the smoked tofu in cornstarch then pan-frying makes it super-crispy. Drizzle with hot honey or your favorite hot sauce to spice it up a little.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

No-Cook Black Bean Salad

No-Cook Black Bean Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A classic black bean salad is a must for picnics and potlucks. This vegan version gets its creaminess from blended avocado. Any mix of salad greens will work well, but try arugula if you want to give this hearty salad a peppery kick.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Toast with Burrata

Avocado Toast with Burrata
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Burrata (cream-filled fresh mozzarella cheese) takes this avocado toast recipe to the next level for a decadent, yet weekday-friendly breakfast.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Bean & Veggie Salad

White Bean & Veggie Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This meatless main-dish salad combines creamy, satisfying white beans and avocado. Try mixing it up with different seasonal vegetables.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caprese Sandwich

Caprese Sandwich
Credit: Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor. Topping the bread with a layer of basil leaves and using toasted bread helps to keep the sandwich from getting soggy if you need to make it a few hours ahead.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpea & Kale Toast

Chickpea & Kale Toast
Credit: Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy toast recipe combines chickpeas, kale and feta for a savory bite.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Big Beautiful Summer Salad

plate with microgreens, radishes, avocado
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This gorgeous and healthy summer vegetable salad is loaded with pretty produce, including golden beets, avocado, corn, microgreens and radishes. Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special. Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Danielle DeAngelis

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Green Goddess Sandwich
    2 of 20 Spinach & Artichoke Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette
    3 of 20 Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa & Beans
    4 of 20 Tomato, Cucumber & White-Bean Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
    5 of 20 Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas
    6 of 20 Cucumber Sandwich
    7 of 20 Spicy Ramen Cup of Noodles
    8 of 20 Rainbow Veggie Wraps
    9 of 20 Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing
    10 of 20 Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast
    11 of 20 Meal-Prep Vegan Lettuce Wraps
    12 of 20 Couscous & Chickpea Salad
    13 of 20 Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Tahini Sauce
    14 of 20 Crispy Smoked Tofu & Coleslaw Wraps
    15 of 20 No-Cook Black Bean Salad
    16 of 20 Avocado Toast with Burrata
    17 of 20 White Bean & Veggie Salad
    18 of 20 Caprese Sandwich
    19 of 20 Chickpea & Kale Toast
    20 of 20 Big Beautiful Summer Salad

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20 Easy Lunches Perfect for a Flexitarian Diet
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.